'Alberta is really just catching up,' environment minister says

“This is about making sure Albertans can save money on their electricity and natural gas bills,” Environment Minister Shannon Phillips told The Homestretch on Wednesday. (Dean Bennett/The Canadian Press)

Alberta is rolling out an energy savings program which will cover the cost of LED light bulbs, low-flow showerheads, smart thermostats and other cost savers — including installation — as part of a five-year, $645-million program funded by the province's carbon tax.

"This is about making sure Albertans can save money on their electricity and natural gas bills," Environment Minister Shannon Phillips told The Homestretch on Wednesday.

"We have within the energy efficiency budget the funds available for this first round of programs, this is just phase one. In the longer term there will be other programs as were recommended to us by our energy efficiency panel."